Newsletter 08/2019

Yet another Aperitivo at Luigia along with swing music by the
famous Mark Zitti and the Italian band Fratelli Coltelli playing live.
Come and enjoy an Italian ambience with a complimentary drink for only 130 DHS/Person.
This event does not require booking, first come first served.

SAFE, STRONG, STABLE
The UAE is the most stable country in the Arab World in 2019, improving its rating further this year due to betterment in its public services, economic sustainability and human capital. The Fragile Sates Index has, in fact, ranked UAE at 149 in 2019, improving its last year’s ranking of 147. the Countries have been categorized into eight segments: the UAE has been placed in the list of more stable countries. Among the sub-indices, the UAE scored highly on public services, economic sustainability, human capital, balanced development and strong security apparatus among others.
Source: Khaleej Times

UAE GETS NEW MINISTRY OF POSSIBILITIES
Nothing is impossible in the UAE and the Country’s Vice President this by launching the world’s first virtual ministry, aptly called the Ministry of Possibilities. The Ministry, which won’t have a minister, is takes with “incubating and developing radical solutions” to the Government’s most pressing problems. Among the several projects the Ministry will work on its developing a mechanism to anticipate the needs of the public and deliver services to them before they are requested. Another is developing an e-platform to Facilitate government purchases that will reduce the time needed for the process from 60 days to six minutes. Its role includes applying design-thinking and experimentation to develop proactive and disruptive solutions to tackle critical issues.
Source: Khaleej Times

UAE AND SAUDI ARABIA TO LEAD RETAIL SECTOR GROWTH
The GCC retail industry will grow 4% from $253.2 bln in 2018 to $308 bln by 2023, driven by growth in population, tourism, per capita income and mega event like Expo 2020 and Fifa World 2022. it is predicted that the annualized growth in retail sales in the GCC nations is projected to range between 2.2% and 5.1%. Regionally, the UAE and Saudi Arabia are expected to continue to dominate the retail sales in the Region, cumulatively accounting for 76.9% if the total sales in 2023. By 2023, retail sales in the Region’s largest economy Saudi Arabia will reach $132.7 bln while UAE will see retail sales at $104.1 bln.
Source: Khaleej Times

UAE LAUNCHES 10-YEAR STRATEGY FOR ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
The UAE Cabinet has adopted a 10-year national strategy to develop an integrated system that employs artificial intelligence (AI) in vital areas in the Country. The National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031 aims at positioning the UAE as a global leader in AI by 2031. the strategy includes eight objectives and several initiatives to employ AI in vital areas such as education, government services and the community wellbeing. A number of vital sector will witness an immediate positive impact from applying AI technologies. AI applications are expected to contribute to the national GDP in the coming years, which would create new economic opportunities.
Source: Khaleej Times

DUBAI WILL ADD 200MV SOLAR POWER IN 2019
More than 80 megawatt of power generated through solar energy by the government and private sector has been connected to Dubai’s main power grid and its is expected to increase further this year. The aim is to reach 200 megawatt by the end of this year, as by Etihad Service Company declaration. The Company is actually in close talks and collaboration with top five global solar panel manufactures to facilitate government purchases that will reduce the time needed for the process from 60 days to six minutes. Its role includes applying design-thinking and experimentation to develop proactive and disruptive solutions to tackle critical issues.
Source: Khaleej Times

TERRA EXPERIENCE TO HELP EXPO2020 VISITORS IN REDUCING CARBON FOOTPRINT
Emirates has completed the installation of bespoke Expo 2020 Dubai liveries on 40 aircraft, with its final A380 aircraft emblazoned in the distinctive orange “opportunity” decal rolling out of the Emirates Engineering hangar. One of the largest decal projects ever undertaken at the Emirates Aircraft Appearance Centre, it took 15.000 hours spanning over 14 months to apply the Expo2020 decals on 20 Boeing 777 aircraft and 20 Airbus aircraft.
Source: Khaleej Times

COCA COLA ARENA TO OPEN DOORS ON JUNE 6
The latest entertainment center in Dubai – the Coca Cola Arena – will open its doors to the public on June 6 with a live show by comedian Russell Peters to be followed by a Maroon 5 concert on June 14. Coca Cola Arena will play an important role in promoting Dubai’s vision of putting the city on the world map of live music, sports and entertainment. Located at City Walk, Coca-Cola Arena is capable of hosting live shows all year round, including local events, sporting tournaments, e-gaming, comedy, theatre and musical performances, conferences, gala dinners and weddings. Coca Cola Arena has a total floor space of 3.870 sqm and a 86m-by-45m arena bowl floor. Previously called Dubai Arena, the name was recently changed after Meraas signed a 10-year-agreement with The Coca Cola Company for the exclusive naming rights of the multipurpose arena.
Source: Khaleej Times